University

Pa. university brings shuttle ops in-house to save money

DALLAS, Pa. — The Highlander reported that Misericordia University is ending its shuttle bus service contract with Northeast Transport Inc. and bringing it in-house, employing campus safety officers as drivers.

The move is being made to save money, Robert Zavada, associate director of campus safety, told the paper. The switch is expected to take place before fall 2014, he added.

The university was able to obtain a vehicle very similar to the shuttle used by the contracted service, and ridership will not be affected, according to The Highlander.

The new shuttle system will also include a 10-passenger student transportation vehicle with wheelchair accommodations as well as a supplementary eight passenger van, operating on the same schedule. For the full story, click here.

There are 16 Ohio colleges and universities with similar partnerships with their regional transit authorities, however, UT’s agreement with TARTA is unique in that faculty and staff also benefit with free access to community bus routes.